Shannon Heckt
Reporter
Hastings, NE
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Shannon has been with KSNB since June 2018. She graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. She has always had a dream of getting into news after growing up watching the national news over dinner. When she isn't at work she enjoys spending time with her cat and exploring the surrounding communities.
As schools handle changes through the pandemic, Kearney Public Schools made sure to keep their Junior Achievement program running. They want kids to learn real-life skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom.
Hastings fire crews were called to a house fire on West 8th St near the Morton Elementary building Saturday afternoon.
As many people are stuck at home during the pandemic, local agencies are reminding people that human trafficking hasn’t stopped due to COVID.
Friday morning the strong winds sparked up a grass fire near Nelson. This comes after crews in Webster and Nuckolls counties spent Thursday night battling a grass fire near Guide Rock.
The Hastings YMCA has wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign and came out over their goal.
Nearly two weeks into the new year, local health departments are reporting a steady increase in new COVID-19 cases after a big decrease at the end of the year.
With city offices remaining closed, the Hastings Public Library is doing what it can to stay connected with the community.
The pandemic has been tough in many ways, some have left marriages and others have even lost loved ones. Destiny Church in Grand Island has two programs they are opening up to the community to find support.
As the vaccine continues to roll out across Nebraska, the Central District Health Department is gearing for the next phase of people eligible for the shot.
In an effort to reduce the use of lethal force, the Kearney Police Department has a new simulation to help them train for their calls out in the field.
Hastings College and Central Community College have signed a new partnership Wednesday opening the door to new opportunities for students.
The Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity is asking for empty beer and soda cans. The annual Cans for Habitat drive is more important to them this year than ever.
Hastings city and health leaders took a look back on how the pandemic has shaped the year.
For the holiday shopping season the people of Hastings were challenged to shop at small businesses who are trying to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Even with the pandemic going on and people still a little nervous to come out to physical stores, a lot of people responded to the mayor’s challenge.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of blood donations across the country. In central Nebraska the American Red Cross has seen people step up to the plate but they still need some help.
Even with travel not advised during the pandemic, the Nebraska State Patrol has still been busy dealing with impaired drivers on the road during their Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
Saturday morning traffic on Highway 2 near Grand Island was blocked from 60th Road to 70th Road due to a train derailment.
Families all across Buffalo County had gifts under the tree thanks to generous donations to the Kearney Goodfellows and volunteers making deliveries.
Kearney agencies are putting in extra work Thursday to help Hot Meals USA prepare to serve 3,500 meals to those in need on Christmas morning.
The Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity is anticipating some challenges next year.
In Grand Island, hospice workers were next in line to get their shots on Tuesday.
With students out of school for the holidays, the Adams County Emergency office has some tips to help keep kids and their families healthy.
Saturday morning people came out to the Grand Island Veterans Cemetery for the annual Wreaths Across America event. It is a day to honor the veterans who are no longer around or made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Nebraska State Fair Board met Friday to approve the budget for 2021. One board member raised concerns over how the finances are being handled.
Two of the three health districts in the Tri-Cities were able to lower their risk dials down from the red to the orange levels.
The South Heartland District Health Department reports COVID-19 risk dial is dropping from red zone or severe risk into the orange or elevated risk level.
Hastings Fire Chief Brad Starling was the first of Hastings first responders to get vaccinated against COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Hastings Salvation Army is falling behind on the red kettle campaign goal.
A box of hope for some arrived at CHI Health St. Francis Tuesday morning with 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
In Hastings, the Pfizer vaccine arrived at Mary Lanning Healthcare early Tuesday afternoon from Grand Island. The first doctors and nurses were given their shots after the vaccine was thawed and prepared.
Twenty years ago this week, President Bill Clinton was wrapping up his administration and he followed through on a promise to see all 50 states with Nebraska being his last stop.
With the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine anticipated Thursday, Mary Lanning Healthcare is getting their plans in place for the roll out.
The Hastings Museum is calling on the community to be part of their newest art installation. They’re calling it “We’re in This Together”.
On Tuesday, CHI Health gave more details behind the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and shared the downward trends they’re seeing in hospitalizations.
The warm weather on Saturday was a perfect afternoon for the annual Candy Cane Hunt at Chautauqua Park in Hastings.
Each year the Kearney Archway, Hastings Museum, and Stuhr Museum in Grand Island compete to see who collects the most food for local food pantries. This year the Tri-City Food Fight is looking a little different.
On Thursday, the people of Kearney showed their support for area nonprofits for Give Where You Live day.
A new partnership means that students with Bryan College of Health Sciences will be able to take classes at Hastings College.
Grand Island Central Catholic Schools returned to normal in-person learning after going virtual due to a staff shortage.
Tuesday is World AIDS Day which is an opportunity to bring awareness to the AIDS epidemic across the world. In Grand Island, Choice Family Healthcare is doing their part to test for HIV and AIDS.
It is Small Business Saturday and this year it has been emphasized that it is more important than ever to shop locally. Some shops in the smaller towns have gained extra attention.
At The Kensington in Hastings, the residents have been dealing with not getting to see family due to health safety risks. Management decided to let the public “Adopt a Senior” this holiday season.
Hastings businesses hope people follow the mayor's shop small challenge to make up for lost revenue.
Normally served downtown at the Masonic Center, it will instead be a to-go meal served at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Hastings city and health leaders detailed Tuesday how the rising COVID cases and hospitalizations are impacting the area.
One Hastings man has gone out of his way to be a living donor and help a complete stranger across the country.
A Hastings tradition held strong even with some pandemic changes. People got up bright and early Saturday morning for the YMCA Turkey Trot.
The Hastings Board of Health met Friday to take the next steps towards a mask policy for the city.
Over 70 wooden stockings were decorated by businesses, nonprofits, and members of the community.
With a rise in COVID cases the Grand Island Fire Department and other emergency services across Hall County are seeing a big uptick in emergency calls.